Campaign for the Welfare of Unorganised Workers
Bandhua Mukti Morcha has undertaken a sustained campaign to organise unorganised workers, spread awareness of labour rights and connect workers with government welfare schemes. Through meetings, target-group discussions, public hearings, workshops and registration drives across Rajasthan, campaign has addressed minimum wages, bonded labour, social security and access to welfare benefits. The organisation has brought workers, public representatives, officials and social workers together to strengthen workers’ voice and promote collective action.
Programme Details for the Welfare of Unorganised Workers - 2017, 2018, 2019
On 29 July 2017, a meeting was organised at Raj Gupta Auditorium, Alwar. The meeting began with a revolutionary song sung by Manoj Arya. The words of the revolutionary song were, “Let us organise… We will change the whole world.”After this, all those present introduced themselves.
While introducing the meeting, Bandhua Mukti Morcha Alwar Secretary Advocate Renu Gupta explained the history of Bandhua Mukti Morcha and highlighted the work carried out at the national level under the leadership of Swami Agnivesh Ji and the work carried out in Rajasthan under the leadership of Rajesh Yajnik.
Explaining the objective of the meeting, Renu Gupta said that Bandhua Mukti Morcha had set a target of organising 5,000 unorganised workers in Alwar district during the coming one year.
Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik gave detailed information about the Rajasthan Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, constituted for construction workers, the cess collected by the Board and the welfare schemes implemented for workers from the amount collected through this cess. Rajesh Yajnik also explained the formation and functioning of a Social Security Board for workers engaged in occupations other than construction work. He also informed those present that the Unorganised Workers Welfare Project was being supported by ONGC. Rajesh Yajnik told all the workers that, as always, the Alwar branch must remain at the forefront of the Morcha’s work.
Morcha District President Virendra Chaudhary said that, apart from the district-level organisation in Alwar, the Morcha also had to be systematically established in five blocks—Ramgarh, Laxmangarh, Umrain, Kishangarhbas and Khairthal. Many other capable people were also joining the executive committee of Bandhua Mukti Morcha, and its positive results would become visible in the future.
Former Deputy Labour Commissioner Shri B.L. Verma said that large companies often support only big charity clubs under their CSR programmes. He said that the success of Bandhua Mukti Morcha was that it had obtained support from a large and reputed company such as ONGC.
Advocate Ashok Kudal announced that he would give four hours every week on his holiday for this project and would also provide his services in cases related to the Morcha and for PILs (Public Interest Litigations). Advocate Adarsh Kishore Yadav said that getting work done through government officials would be the biggest challenge.
R.D.N.C. Foundation Managing Director Girish Gupta announced that his foundation would provide health services to the workers organised by the Morcha in their areas and programmes. He also said that he would provide assistance in social media, website development and other areas.
Child Welfare Committee member Daya Garg said that she would always remain ready, along with Renu Gupta Madam, for the liberation of child labourers and for building an organisation of domestic women workers (working women).
Saroj Shuchi Gupta, who was associated with Samarthya Sanstha and became a member of the Morcha on the same day, said that she was battling cancer and wanted to dedicate her life to social work. She had been in contact with Rajesh Yajnik Ji for the past one year. Inspired by him, she was working to teach juvenile children at the Child Observation Home, Alwar, and was ready to undertake every kind of work for the Morcha.
Industrialist Indra Kumar Tolani announced his cooperation in providing training to women from poor sections. Rotary Club President Mohan Nihalani announced that he would participate in the Morcha’s programme along with all the members of his club.
Journalists Rajesh Ravi, Prem Pathak, Jyoti Sharma, Prahlad Pushpad and AYA Ahuja assured that they would give prominence to news about the project in the media.
On this occasion, Anil Kumar, Sajjan Singh, Hanif Khan, Sonu Rajput, Naveen Saini, Seema Saini, [Mr.] Mittal, Dinesh Yadav, Khushbu Khandelwal, Harpreet Kaur, Garima Gupta, Hemant, Javed Khan, Nitin Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, Puran Karotiya, Munni Naruka, Amarjeet Singh, Rajivlochan Saini, Jeevan Singh Manvi, Mr. Thomas and others presented their views. At the end, everyone had refreshments.
Formation of the Morcha and Unorganised Workers Welfare Project in Bharatpur
On 2 August, a discussion was held in Bharatpur regarding the formation of Bandhua Mukti Morcha and the Unorganised Workers Welfare Project.
A discussion meeting was held at a restaurant in Kotwali Bazaar to consider the plan for organising unorganised workers, getting them registered and subsequently ensuring that they received benefits from the Workers’ Welfare Board.
Addressing the meeting, Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik said that there were more than one lakh workers in Bharatpur district, but not even one-fourth of them had been registered with the Workers’ Welfare Board. The workers who were registered were not aware of the schemes, and therefore they were unable to receive their benefits. The Morcha would work to organise all such workers. A plan for the coming one year would be prepared for this work at the earliest.
On this occasion, Morcha Vice-President Daya Garg said that the Morcha would also undertake the work of liberating child labourers with the cooperation of the Child Welfare Committee.
Child Welfare Committee President Saroj Lohia, Councillor Veermati Swadesh Katara, Uma Chaudhary, Pragya Mishra, Suman Gupta, Pinky Rani, Naresh Singhal, Sundar Singh, Anita, Mahendra Katara, Tej Kumar, Shyamveer, Jitendra Singh, Yogesh, Suresh, Shiv Kumar and Manish Kumar expressed their views.
After the meeting, a committee was formed on behalf of the Morcha. It would function until the executive committee of Bandhua Mukti Morcha was constituted. Advocate Shyamveer Singh, Pragya Mishra, Uma Chaudhary, Veermati, Mahendra Katara, Jitendra Singh, Swadesh Katara, Suman Gupta, Dharmendra and Shuchi Solanki were included in the committee.
Workshop and Target Group Discussions
On 4–5 August, Rajesh Yajnik, Renu Gupta, Manoj Arya, Uma Chaudhary and Sohanram from Bandhua Mukti Morcha Rajasthan participated in the ONGC Project Workshop organised at Agnilok Ashram.
On 10 August, a target group discussion with workers was organised at Desula and Desula Khod. Rajesh Yajnik, Renu Gupta, Sonu Rajput, Harpreet Kaur, Mohan Jatav and Sohanram participated in it.
Under the Workers’ Welfare Project, a target group discussion was organised with unorganised-sector workers on 10 August 2017 in Desula Khod village of Alwar district, Rajasthan. Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik Ji, Morcha General Secretary Advocate Renu Gupta, Morcha worker Sonu Singh and Harpreet Kaur went to the village.
Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik informed the workers about bonded labour or forced labour, the problems faced by workers in the unorganised sector and minimum wages. He explained in detail how much wages a worker should receive.
Renu Gupta explained the registration procedure for unorganised workers and the public welfare schemes being run by the government. Sonu Singh and Harpreet Kaur collected the names, addresses, qualifications, mobile numbers, occupations and signatures of the workers on the forms. An individual questionnaire was filled out for every worker. At the end, refreshments were provided to everyone. Questions and answers were also held between Rajesh Ji and the workers.
Similarly, on 10 August 2017, a target group discussion was organised with unorganised-sector workers in Desula village of Ramgarh block. Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik informed the workers about minimum wages, bonded labour and the law. Renu Gupta explained the government’s public welfare schemes and the procedure for registration of unorganised workers. Individual questionnaires of the workers were filled out by Harpreet Kaur, Sonu Singh and Renu Gupta.
Target Group Discussion in Kharbas
On 11 August, a target group discussion was organised in Kharbas. The discussion was conducted by Renu Gupta, Harpreet Kaur and Saroj Sharma.
On 11 August 2017, under the Unorganised Sector Workers’ Welfare Project, a target group discussion was organised with unorganised-sector workers in Kharbas settlement of Alwar district. The group included Morcha General Secretary Advocate Renu Gupta, Morcha worker Saroj Sharma and Harpreet Kaur.
During the group discussion, Advocate Renu Gupta informed the workers about minimum wages, unpaid wages, public welfare schemes, the law and the procedure for registration of unorganised workers. Registration forms and individual questionnaires of the workers were filled out by Saroj Sharma, Harpreet Kaur and Renu Gupta.
Most of the people found in Kharbas settlement were women and men engaged in sweeping and mopping houses, making rakhis and agricultural work. Questions and answers were held with each worker.
Workers’ Meetings and Registration in Khairthal
On 12 August, two large meetings of workers were organised in Khairthal by Renu Gupta, Nitin Saini, Sandeep [text unclear in original scan], Rajeshwari Devi and Garima.
On 12 August 2017, a target group discussion was held with unorganised-sector workers in Ward No. 14 of Khairthal Municipality, Alwar district. Morcha General Secretary Advocate Renu Gupta and Morcha workers Nitin Saini and Garima Gupta participated in the discussion.
Hundreds of unorganised-sector workers participated. Advocate Renu Gupta explained in detail the issues of minimum wages, bonded labour, the registration procedure for construction workers and public welfare schemes. Nitin Saini informed them about Bandhua Mukti Morcha. A question-and-answer session was also held with the workers. Registration forms were completed for 30 workers and individual questionnaires were completed for 15 workers. Construction workers engaged in manual labour and masonry work were found there. At the end, refreshments were provided to everyone.
On 12 August 2017, another target group discussion with unorganised-sector workers was held in Khairthal, Alwar district. Morcha General Secretary Advocate Renu Gupta, Nitin Saini and Garima Gupta participated. Morcha Secretary Advocate Renu Gupta explained legal information, bonded labour, minimum wages and the registration procedure for construction workers. Nitin Saini appealed to the workers to connect themselves with the public welfare schemes being run by the government. Individual questionnaires and worker registration forms were filled out by Advocate Renu Gupta, Nitin Saini and Garima Gupta.
Target Group Discussions in Bharatpur
On 13 August, target group discussions were organised at five different locations in Bharatpur from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Manoj Arya, Shuchi Solanki and Dharmendra Indolia organised them.
Under the Unorganised Workers’ Welfare Project, a target group discussion was organised with unorganised-sector workers on 13 August 2017 at Binarayan Gate, Kachcha Kunda, Bharatpur district, Rajasthan.
Manoj Arya informed the workers about bonded or forced labour, the problems faced by workers in the unorganised sector and minimum wages. He explained in detail how much wages a worker should receive.
Shuchi Solanki explained the procedure for registration of unorganised workers and the public welfare schemes being run by the government. Shuchi Solanki and Dharmendra Indolia filled the workers’ registration forms, including their names, addresses, qualifications, mobile numbers, occupations and signatures. An individual questionnaire was filled out for every worker. The occupations of the participating workers included furniture work, working at shops, sweeping and mopping, and labour work at shops.
Similarly, on 13 August 2017, a discussion was held in village Dunabal with workers from the unorganised sector. Manoj Arya informed the workers about minimum wages, bonded labour and the law. Rambabu informed them about government public welfare schemes and the procedure for registration of unorganised workers.
On 13 August 2017, a target group discussion was organised with unorganised-sector workers at Nai Mandi Harijan Basti, Ward No. 49, Bharatpur district, under the Unorganised Sector Workers’ Welfare Project. Manoj Kumar Arya and Rakesh Chaudhary participated in the group.
Manoj Arya informed the workers about minimum wages, unpaid wages, public welfare schemes, the law and the registration procedure for unorganised workers. Registration forms and individual questionnaires of the workers were filled out by Manoj Kumar Arya and Rakesh Chaudhary. Most of the workers found in Nai Mandi Harijan Basti were engaged in labour and manual work.
On 13 August 2017, Manoj Arya and Rambabu participated in a target group discussion with unorganised-sector workers in Rasiya Jatav Basti of Bharatpur district. The workers were given detailed information about wages, the registration procedure for construction workers and public welfare schemes. Rambabu explained the work of Bandhua Mukti Morcha. Manual labourers and masonry workers were found there.
On 13 August 2017, a target group discussion was organised with workers in the unorganised sector at Patpara Mohalla, opposite the Collectorate, Bharatpur. Manoj Arya, Shuchi Solanki and Dharmendra Indolia participated.
Manoj Arya explained legal information, bonded labour, minimum wages and the registration procedure for construction workers. Shuchi Solanki appealed to the workers to connect themselves with the public welfare schemes being run by the government. Individual questionnaires were filled out by Manoj Arya, Shuchi Solanki and Dharmendra Solanki. Manoj Arya asked each worker questions, including what rate of wages they received from their employers.
Strategy Meeting for the Welfare of Unorganised Workers in Jaipur
On 13 August, a meeting was also held in Jaipur regarding the formation of Bandhua Mukti Morcha and the Unorganised Workers’ Welfare Project.
At the beginning of the meeting, everyone introduced themselves to each other. Thereafter, a seminar was held on the subject of strategy for the welfare of unorganised workers.
Introducing the subject, Rajasthan Construction and General Labour Union State General Secretary Harkesh Bugalia explained the formation, functioning, achievements and shortcomings of the Rajasthan Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board and the Social Security Board.
Thereafter, Ghanshyam Kotwani, who worked among street vendors and roadside workers, said that despite being the capital of the state, unorganised workers did not have information about the laws and schemes concerning them.
As the main speaker, Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik explained in detail the views and work of Swami Agnivesh on child bonded labour, minimum wages, organisation of unorganised workers, Beti Bachao, freedom from casteism and communalism and other issues. He appealed to all those present to become members of Bandhua Mukti Morcha and to make other people members as well.
While presiding over the meeting, senior Gandhian worker Shri Sawai Singh appealed for bringing workers, farmers and youth onto one platform and creating social change.
Jitendra Sharma described the condition of stone-carving workers, Ramesh Yadav described the condition of workers in the saw and wood industry, and Govind Beniwal described the condition of child labourers working in the bangle industry.
On this occasion, senior advocates Premkishan Sharma, Tarachand Verma and Muhajir Islam promised to provide all possible legal and court-related assistance to the Morcha. Others also presented their suggestions. The programme was conducted by Sadar Alam. With everyone’s consent, Rajesh Yajnik announced the appointment of Basant Haryana as coordinator of the Jaipur unit. All those present were included in the Morcha committee.
Target Group Discussions in Jaipur
On 14–15 August 2017, five target group discussions were organised in Jaipur under the coordination of Basant Haryana.
Under the Unorganised Workers’ Welfare Project, a target group discussion was organised on 14 August 2017 with unorganised-sector workers near Dadabari, Sanganer Railway Station, Jaipur district. Basant Haryana and Ramesh Yadav participated.
Basant Haryana informed the workers about bonded or forced labour, the problems faced by workers in the unorganised sector and minimum wages. He explained in detail how much wages a worker should receive.
Ramesh Yadav explained the procedure for registration of unorganised workers and the public welfare schemes being run by the government. Basant Haryana and Ramesh Yadav filled the workers’ registration forms, including their names, addresses, qualifications, mobile numbers, occupations and signatures.
On 14 August 2017, Basant Haryana and Ramesh Yadav participated in a target group discussion with unorganised-sector workers in Sundar Nagar, Sanganer, Jaipur district. Unorganised-sector workers participated in the discussion. All workers were registered. Manual labourers and sewing workers were found there.
Similarly, on 15 August 2017, a target group discussion was organised with unorganised-sector workers at Baba Ramdev Nagar, Gurjar Ki Thadi. Basant Haryana and Gopal Gujarati participated.
Basant Haryana informed the workers about minimum wages, bonded labour and the law. Gopal Gujarati explained the government’s public welfare schemes and the procedure for registration of unorganised workers. An individual questionnaire for each worker was filled out by Basant Haryana and Gopal Gujarati. Workers engaged in hawking, labour work and flower making were found there. Basant Haryana held individual question-and-answer sessions with each worker.
On 15 August 2017, under the Unorganised Sector Workers’ Welfare Project, a target group discussion was organised with unorganised-sector workers at Topkhane Ka Rasta, Chandpole Bazaar, Jaipur district. Basant Haryana and Murad Khan participated. Fifteen workers attended the group discussion.
Basant Haryana informed the workers about minimum wages, unpaid wages, public welfare schemes, the law and the registration procedure for unorganised workers. Basant Haryana and Murad Khan filled the workers’ registration forms and individual questionnaires. Artisans, painters and workers engaged in loading work were found in Chandpole Bazaar.
On 15 August 2017, a target group discussion with unorganised-sector workers was held at Khejadon Ka Rasta, Jaipur district. Basant Haryana and Mahesh Agarwal participated.
Basant Haryana explained legal information, bonded labour, minimum wages and the registration procedure for construction workers. Mahesh Agarwal appealed to the workers to connect themselves with the public welfare schemes being run by the government. Individual questionnaires were filled out by Basant Haryana and Mahesh Agarwal. Basant Haryana asked each worker questions related to bonded labour and minimum wages.
Review Meeting of the Work in Four Districts
On 3 September, a meeting of the main workers of four districts of Bandhua Mukti Morcha Rajasthan was held at the Morcha office. The meeting was chaired by State President Rajesh Yajnik.
The work carried out in Alwar, Bharatpur, Barmer and Jaipur was reviewed. Renu Gupta presented the report of work in Alwar, Shuchi Solanki presented the report of Bharatpur, Sonaram presented the report of Barmer and Basant Haryana presented the report of Jaipur.
Satisfaction was expressed regarding the work carried out so far. Dates and outlines were decided for organising seminars in the four districts.
Public Hearing and Seminar on Unorganised Workers’ Welfare in Jaipur
On 24 September 2017, a one-day seminar and public hearing was organised by Bandhua Mukti Morcha Jaipur with the cooperation of ONGC at Vinoba Gyan Mandir, Bapu Nagar, University Marg, Jaipur.
The subject of the programme was “Unorganised Workers Welfare Scheme.”
First, Manoj Arya presented the revolutionary song, “Who has set this fire in the worker’s hut?”
Bandhua Mukti Morcha Jaipur District Coordinator Basant Haryana conducted the programme and, through the Jaipur branch workers, welcomed the guests one by one. Former Rajasthan High Court Judge Panachand Jain was invited as the Chief Guest, Swami Agnivesh, National President of Bandhua Mukti Morcha, as the Chief Speaker, Ram Singh Arya of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha as the Chairperson, Gandhian worker Shri Sawai Singh as the Special Guest, and Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik, Women Workers’ Union’s Meva Bharti and sociologist Professor Hasan were invited onto the stage.
Starting the public hearing, Advocate Renu Gupta asked the workers simple questions such as: Who is a worker? Who is a registered worker? Who is an unorganised worker? Which laws and schemes exist for them?
The workers present were unable to answer these questions properly. This made it clear that even workers in the state capital did not have information about the schemes and laws. Renu Gupta explained the wage rates in Rajasthan in detail.
Mohar Singh of the Street Vendors Union said that the government had imposed non-vending zones. The police said that workers did not have any fundamental rights, for which he was fighting with the corporation.
Maulana Ramzan presented in detail the problems of railway porters. He said that there was no provision for a pension for porters when they became old.
Construction worker Gopi Banjara said that he had been doing manual labour for 30 years. Two months earlier, he had applied for registration through e-Mitra, but his registration had still not been completed. He was being sent from the Development Officer to the Gram Sachiv and from the Sachiv to the BDO.
Auto Drivers’ Union’s Sardar Kuldeep Singh and Aari-Tari industry workers Aftab and Mohammad Yakub presented the problems of their respective fields.
Harkesh Bugalia of Rajasthan Construction and General Labour Union said that the law made for construction workers in 1996 was started to be implemented by the Rajasthan Government in 2009 and that its proper implementation was still pending.
Sawai Singh, President of Samagra Seva Sangh, said that there was no social security for workers and farmers. A social movement could be created by bringing both groups together.
Virendra Chaudhary said that the working class would have to free itself from the bonds of caste and religion, and workers’ unions would have to free themselves from the bonds of political parties.
Chief Guest Justice Panachand Jain said that the Constitution had given every citizen of the country the right to live with dignity. Justice Jain explained the Social Security Act of 2008 in detail and emphasised the need to file Public Interest Litigations for its implementation.
Advocates Tarachand Verma and Dharmveer Chaudhary announced their readiness to undertake every kind of legal action for workers and poor people.
Mehta Ram, Rajesh Yadav, Daya Garg, Harpreet Kaur and others also expressed their views.
Meva Bharti, President of the Women Workers’ Union, said that the challenges faced by women workers were even greater. Compared with men, women workers organised themselves more readily.
Chief Speaker Swami Agnivesh answered the questions of those present and, while explaining bonded labour, child labour and minimum wages in simple language, called for intensive work on these issues.
He gave the message of organising and struggling for the demand that a minimum wage of ₹600 per day be implemented in the country.
Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik, while presenting his views, said that the rights already obtained should be secured through struggle within the limits of the law, and demands should be raised for what had not yet been obtained. He expressed confidence that if workers raised their voices in an organised manner, their voices would certainly be heard.
Presiding over the programme, Shri Ram Singh Arya said that serving the weaker sections of society was the main objective of Arya Samaj. Arya Samaj would certainly cooperate with the Morcha in this work.
At the end of the programme, various individuals were also honoured. These included woman porter Manju Yadav, woman hawker Arina Khan, brick kiln union’s Mohan Lakhiwal, hawker union representative Mehta Ram Kala, renowned Aari-Tari artisan Noor Bhai, representative of the Fruit and Vegetable Vendors Association Uttam Kumar, and Vendors Association’s Ghanshyam Kotnani.
After the programme, everyone was served tea, sweets and snacks. Approximately 225 people attended the programme.
Public Hearing and Seminar in Alwar
On 13 October 2017, a one-day seminar and public hearing was organised by Bandhua Mukti Morcha Alwar at Purusharthi Dharamshala, Vivekanand Chowk, Alwar.
The subject of the programme was “Unorganised Workers Welfare Scheme.”
The programme began with a revolutionary song by Nitin Saini. Along with Nitin Saini, all the workers sang, “Who has looted the worker’s hut?”
Thereafter, while conducting the programme, Morcha General Secretary Renu Gupta invited Rajesh Yajnik as the Chief Speaker of the seminar, Virendra Chaudhary as Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee member Daya Garg, Advocate Adarsh Kishore Yadav and Saroj Shuchi Gupta onto the stage.
Morcha Deputy Secretary Harpreet Kaur gave the welcome address and asked the workers present some simple questions. The workers could not answer many of the questions. Some workers also gave correct answers. Twenty-five women and men workers who gave accurate answers were also given prizes.
The Chief Guest of the seminar was District Legal Services Authority Judge Shri Dinesh Jalthuria, but he had gone to Bhilwara to give evidence in a court. He sent Para-Legal Volunteer Mustafa Khan in his place. Mustafa Khan provided legal information to the workers.
The Special Guest, Deputy Labour Commissioner Suresh Sharma, apologised over the phone during the programme for not being able to attend. He could not come to the programme because the Labour Minister had suddenly called him to Umrain.
During the programme, Child Welfare Committee member Daya Garg spoke about child labour, Assistant Director of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department Nawal Khan spoke about the Palanhar Scheme, Advocate Adarsh Kishore Yadav spoke about labour laws, and Manoj Arya gave information about the work carried out by Bandhua Mukti Morcha.
Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik explained in detail to the workers the schemes implemented after a long struggle for unorganised workers. Yajnik explained that some facilities were being provided by the government to construction workers, but other categories of unorganised workers were not receiving any social security. For this, workers would have to organise themselves and struggle.
Rajesh Yajnik appealed to all workers to educate their sons and daughters.
Educationist Saroj Shuchi Gupta, social worker Khushbu Khandelwal, worker representatives Deepchand, Raju Banjara, Sahun Khan, Mohan Singh, Rana Banjara and others also expressed their views.
Finally, while giving the presidential address, Virendra Chaudhary appealed to the working class to organise under the banner of the Morcha and participate actively in the Morcha’s programmes.
At the end of the seminar, refreshments were provided to everyone. Everyone sang a collective song, whose words were, “Let us organise… We have decided… We will change the whole world.”
A total of 215 participants were present. The seminar was conducted by Advocate Renu Gupta. All participants were provided with a file, notebook, pen, pamphlets and the Mukti Path magazine.
National Outreach Workshop for the Welfare of Unorganised Workers
On 7 December, a national outreach workshop for the welfare of workers in the unorganised sector was held at the India International Centre in New Delhi.
The Union Labour Minister and the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission were the Chief Guests at the workshop. The workshop was chaired by Swami Agnivesh, National President of Bandhua Mukti Morcha.
Rajesh Yajnik introduced the subject concerning the problems of unorganised workers. Office bearers of the Morcha from eight districts of Rajasthan also participated in the workshop under the leadership of State President Rajesh Yajnik.
Workshop on the Problems and Solutions of Unorganised Workers with Public Representatives
On 25 June 2018, Bandhua Mukti Morcha Alwar organised a workshop for public representatives and social workers. The subject of the workshop was “Problems and Solutions of Unorganised Workers.”
The workshop began at 10 a.m. at Hotel Swaroop Vilas near Moti Dungri in Alwar city under the chairpersonship of Alwar Municipal Council Deputy Chairperson Mrs. Shashi Tiwari.
First, Harpreet Kaur presented the revolutionary song “In the country where labour is honoured…”
After this, Virendra Chaudhary, who was conducting the programme, invited the Chief Guest, Alwar Lok Sabha constituency MP Dr. Karn Singh Yadav, onto the stage. Councillor Chandrabhan Gurjar and Leader of the Opposition in Alwar Municipal Council Narendra Meena were welcomed as Special Guests and seated on the stage.
Morcha Vice-President Daya Garg gave the welcome address. Morcha Senior Vice-President Shuchi Gupta highlighted the Morcha’s main programmes. Virendra Chaudhary explained the working system of Bandhua Mukti Morcha to the participants.
Morcha District General Secretary Renu Gupta explained the achievements of the Morcha and informed those present that the Morcha had so far secured the liberation of more than 10,000 bonded workers and more than 6,000 child labourers in Rajasthan. It had freed 250 families from the illegal liquor trade, settled 16,000 nomadic community families and registered more than 18,000 construction workers with the State Labour Welfare Board and connected them with welfare schemes.
Manoj Arya presented poetry.
Addressing the workshop as the main speaker, Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik said that there were 48 crore unorganised workers in India, meaning that every third person in the country belonged to this category. He said that there was no proper system for their social security.
Yajnik provided detailed information to district and municipal councillors about schemes for construction workers. He explained the Shubh Shakti Scheme, scholarship scheme, toolkit scheme and funeral assistance scheme in detail and appealed to district and municipal councillors to inform people in their respective areas about these schemes and help them receive their benefits.
Rajesh Yajnik drew the attention of all public representatives to the fact that construction workers were at least receiving some benefits from certain schemes, whereas other types of workers were still deprived of these benefits.
He said that under the Unorganised Workers Welfare Board, a separate worker card was not being made for workers in Rajasthan. Instead, they were being asked to have “unorganised worker” written as their occupation on the state government’s Bhamashah Card, which was being made for every citizen.
Similarly, instead of making a separate scheme and providing benefits to them, the state government was providing them with the general schemes applicable to everyone.
Today, e-Shram cards have started being made. Our campaign has been successful.
Chief Guest Alwar MP Dr. Karn Singh Yadav said that he had received a great deal of information at the workshop. He said that he would raise the problems of unorganised workers in Parliament and would seek guidance and cooperation on this issue from Morcha National President Swami Agnivesh and Rajasthan State President Rajesh Yajnik.
The public representatives who attended the programme asked questions from the stage concerning unorganised workers, which were answered by Rajesh Yajnik.
At the end, Morcha member Sonu Rajput thanked everyone. All those present had refreshments.
Workshop for Public Representatives and Social Workers in Jaipur
On 27 June 2018, Bandhua Mukti Morcha Jaipur organised a workshop for public representatives and social workers at the Chamber of Commerce, M.I. Road, Jaipur.
A discussion was held on social security schemes for workers in the unorganised sector. It was decided to run a continuous campaign so that unorganised workers could receive the benefits of the schemes currently being operated.
The outline of a struggle was also decided so that all unorganised-sector workers could receive the benefits of the Social Security Scheme, 2008. It was also decided to seek the cooperation of public representatives.
The main speaker at the programme was Bandhua Mukti Morcha State President Shri Rajesh Yajnik. Jaipur Municipal Corporation Councillor Dinesh Kanwar, Shri Sushil Sharma, Mrs. Sunita Akad, former councillor Shri Mohanlal Lakhiwal, the sarpanch of Rozda, Shri Mohan Dhabai, who was instrumental in making the Gram Panchayat alcohol-free, former sarpanch of Nayla Shri Hanuman Sharma, former sarpanch Shri Khushind Mewati, former administrative officer and social worker Shri Kapil Sankhla, Shri Ramprakash Chandrel, Shri Jitendra Bharti, Mrs. Santosh Parik, Shri Sabir Qureshi, Shri Gopal Gujarati, Shri Narendra Rawat, Shri Arvind Darauta, Shri Rajesh Akad, Shri Sabir Khan, Shri Vijendra Kasana, Shri Indra Sharma and a large number of leaders associated with the movement of unorganised workers were present.
Daya Garg gave the welcome address, Basant Haryana conducted the programme and Anil Goswami delivered the vote of thanks.
Conference of the Domestic Women Workers’ Union
On 25 September 2018, a conference of the Domestic Women Workers’ Union was organised in Jaipur.
Women engaged in domestic work from Ajmer, Jaipur, Alwar, Pratapgarh and Udaipur participated in the conference.
A demand was made to the government to enact a social security law, and discussions were held regarding the formulation of such a law.
From Alwar, Rameshwari, Savita, Shivkanya and other women participated along with Morcha Secretary Renu Gupta. Programme coordinator Meva Bharti discussed the issue.
Meeting Regarding the Problems of Brick Kiln Workers
On 24 October 2018, a meeting of various brick kiln union office bearers and social workers from Rajasthan was held in Jaipur regarding the problems of brick kiln workers.
A Brick Kiln Workers Coordination Committee was formed at the meeting. This committee would provide a common platform to all unions and workers.
Rajesh Yajnik participated in the meeting on behalf of Bandhua Mukti Morcha.
Campaign for Registration and Welfare Benefits of Construction Workers
On 8 February 2019, Bandhua Mukti Morcha demanded that the work of registering construction workers with the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board and providing them welfare schemes should be taken back from Development Officers and carried out by the Labour Department at district headquarters.
Morcha State President Rajesh Yajnik sent a letter to the State Labour Commissioner in this regard and said that most Development Officers across Rajasthan had not given importance to this work, due to which thousands of workers were facing difficulties.
The Morcha achieved success in this matter, and the work of registration of construction workers and providing them welfare schemes was taken back from Development Officers and handed over to the Labour Department at district headquarters.
Khairthal Members’ Conference and Awareness Programme
On 6 October 2019, a conference of members of the Khairthal area was organised by Bandhua Mukti Morcha at Ambedkar Bhawan, near the Railway Station, Khairthal.
Approximately 100 members participated in the conference.
The main speaker, Rajesh Yajnik, appealed to all members to become aware and spread awareness among other people.
On this occasion, Social Justice Department P.O. Mohan Lal Raigar and Child Rights Department’s Satish Chaudhary informed those present about government schemes.
Virendra Chaudhary expressed his gratitude to everyone.
On this occasion, Sandeep Jatav was selected as the head of the Khairthal unit.
Camp for Unorganised Workers
On 30 November 2019, on the occasion of the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan-Man Yojana in Alwar district, the Labour Department and Bandhua Mukti Morcha jointly organised a camp for unorganised workers.
The Chief Guest was Shri Tikaram Julie, Labour Minister, Government of Rajasthan, while Rajesh Yajnik participated as the main speaker.
The programme was chaired by District Workers’ Welfare Officer Shyamlal Salotiya and conducted by Renu Gupta.
On this occasion, the Labour Minister also distributed certificates to workers associated with the Morcha.
Assistant Director of the Women and Child Development Department Rishiraj Singhal, Nehru Yuva Kendra’s Totaram Gurjar, Labour Inspector Khushbu Modi, Kamal, Arvind Pandey and others also expressed their views.
Sunil Kumar delivered the vote of thanks.
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